CH 38

Chapter 38: Wolf and Ball Throwing 2

Her heart skipped a beat as she was pierced by Ivan’s serious gaze. Ernesta had to be careful not to show her unease.

A Druid and Courtesan - Neverwinter...

“Don’t worry, Ivan came home and went straight to bed.”

She wasn’t lying, but it was a subtle reply that didn’t reveal the whole truth.

Judging from their conversation earlier, it seemed that Ivan was drinking with Johan. He seemed to have forgotten even the contents of their conversation so it was best to just leave it at that.

Ernesta felt guilty, but she tried to change the subject.

“Could it be that you don’t remember?”

“…I don’t even remember how I got home.”

She may have shown relief on her face, deep down.

She was certain she was questioned about her true identity before, so if he had really forgotten, it could be for the best.

Could Ivan have realized the possibility of her being a substitute, or was it just a random muttering?

For some reason, Ernesta didn’t want him to know, even more so than before. Above all, she didn’t want Ivan to know that she was capable of telling such a terrible lie.

“So, Ivan gets drunk too sometimes.”

“Just to explain, this is the first time something like this has happened… Ahh, damn, it’s so pathetic.”

Ivan cursed and scratched the back of his head in frustration. Seeing his childish behavior of getting caught doing pranks, Ernesta couldn’t help but find him a little bit cute.

“You managed to reach the bed on your own and slept there. I fell asleep right after that too.”

“I see. Well, that’s good then.”

It seemed like Ivan was still bothered by it, but they decided to forcefully move on from the topic. Not only was she afraid of revealing her faults, but she also wanted to properly apologize for causing trouble to the king.

“Um, actually, I was playing with Mikola until just now. I’m really sorry for being so carefree.”

However, his eyes were kind and transmitted that he didn’t blame her at all.

“Don’t worry about it. Did you have fun?”

“…Yes, it was really fun!”

He is truly a kind person. Even with a political marriage, the woman loved by him is probably very happy.

She felt a painful throbbing in her chest just imagining it, but Ernesta decided to dismiss it as her imagination as usual.

“Oh, yeah, how about Ivan?”

Even though she thought it would be no good, she asked anyway, and as expected, Ivan stopped motionless with a blank expression. After what felt like a long but very short time, the response that came out was surprisingly forceful.

“I’m not playing around. Let’s go back soon!”

Ivan turned on his heel and walked away, his shoulders tense and with rough, stomping steps.

“I guess I got carried away. Shall we go, Mikola?”

Ernesta smiled wryly and began to walk beside her wolf, who let out a yawn mixed with a whine.

However, what was actually translated was something Ernesta had no knowledge of.

[That guy thought he was a wolf or something. And for a moment, he hesitated. I guess he thought it would be nice if Ellie could pet him, that grump.]

❂❂❂

When she returned to her room, Dasha had already prepared breakfast for one person.

Ernesta had been wanting to have a meal with someone, but she couldn’t hide her disappointment.

“Dasha, have you already eaten?”

“Uh, I’m sorry. Since I’m a commuter from my home, I eat at home.”

Ernesta hastily shook her head, seeing the personal attendant with a disappointed expression.

“It’s okay. It’s natural. Dasha, you’ve been commuting from your home?”

“Yes. There are many girls who are learning manners living in the castle, but fortunately, my family home is in the city.”

Another unfamiliar common sense came up. It’s natural that there are residents and commuters, and now that she thought about it, General Kudera and his wife also said they were commuters.

“What’s Dasha’s family home?”

Ernesta finally realized that she didn’t even know her full name yet. Because in this country, other than the head of the family, people don’t usually introduce their family names.

“Yes! My family name is Zavesky. I am Dasha Lenka Zavesky!”

Ernesta stopped her movement immediately. She recognized that surname. It was the surname of Ivan’s friend——.

“Theodor-san…?”

She thoughtlessly blurted out his name, but Dasha’s face brightened with joy.

“My Queen, do you happen to know my brother?”

“Ah, so it’s true! He’s your brother?”

Ernesta couldn’t forget that sad and memorable story she had heard just the day before yesterday. She was surprised to learn this fact but upon hearing it, it seemed to make sense.

They both shared the same hair color, and according to what Ivan had said, “Dasha looks exactly like that guy.”

“Yes, he’s my proud older brother.”

Dasha narrowed her eyes with a gentle light. She must be reminiscing about memories with her brother.

“My brother went off to war when I was still a baby, so I don’t have any memories of him. When news of his death arrived, I didn’t understand death very well at the time…and his body never came back. It wasn’t until His Majesty personally delivered his belongings that I finally realized what had happened.”

Dasha had a gentle smile on her face. Even though she was young, she must have shed tears. How much time had passed, and how had she managed to overcome it all with such strength?

Ernesta deeply realized how thoroughly kind and fair Dasha was. Despite losing her beloved brother in a war against humans, Dasha still treated Ernesta, who was human, without any discrimination.

“I was only six years old, so I don’t remember too much about that time. But I have heard that His Majesty was deeply saddened, even though he kept up his usual appearance.”

Ivan spoke about the past with a nonchalant tone.

It couldn’t have been easy. Ernesta had friends she could call her own, but if they were to sacrifice themselves to protect her, how much despair would she feel?

“My whole family sincerely thanks His Majesty. I am proud of my brother who fulfilled his duty… I’m sorry, it became a dark conversation, didn’t it?”

“It’s alright. Thank you for telling me something important.”

Dasha smiled shyly but kindly, and Ernesta was very happy she could talk to her like this.

“But, is that so? His Majesty talked about my brother, huh. He must trust My Queen.”

Dasha’s smile was brighter than usual. Ernesta felt guilty for betraying a girl’s joy, but slowly shook her head.

“No, it’s not…”

“No, it is! Werewolf warriors do not show weakness easily. I’m very happy that you two are getting along so well.”

Feeling pure affection from her loyal maid’s straightforward eyes, Ernesta’s chest tightened with emotion.

What Dasha is looking at right now is not a real married couple. In three weeks, she will disappear without a trace, destined to be an illusion that will never return.

“That’s because… His Majesty is just being kind.”

“You don’t have to be so modest. My Queen is bolder and more brazen, just as it should be. It’s very lovely that My Queen admires His Majesty so much.”

At that moment, Ernesta’s mind went blank.

She felt as if she had been shot with a gun from a completely unexpected direction. She had never even thought of such a thing before, and she couldn’t even make a decision on whether to respond or not.

——Me, admires Ivan?

Ernesta was supposed to leave here immediately and be the worst person who lied and deceived him. There was no way she could hold feelings for him, and Ivan was supposed to be someone who was out of reach, a king who was cool, awkward but kind. Someone she wouldn’t even be able to meet under normal circumstances.

It must be so… Or so she thought.

“Dasha, that’s…!”

Ernesta immediately wanted to deny it out loud. However, she couldn’t say that to the girl who believed in the good relationship between the king and queen, so she blushed and remained silent.

Dasha’s smile deepened as she observed Ernesta’s reaction, and she patted her chest.

“Don’t worry, there’s nothing to be concerned about! Also, His Majesty has requested that you have dinner together. I’m sure you’ll be fine, My Queen!”

Ernesta had no idea what was okay, but at least she knew that she wouldn’t be having dinner alone.